Team USA’s Final Cut Looming
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the USA roster may be cut down to 12 players by Thursday. Stein reports that Mason Plumlee is being heavily considered by Coach Krzyzewski and the USA staff as the back up big.
Plumlee’s status on the team is by no means a “lock.” He is competing with Demarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond for a spot on the team. While both players are more developed and talented than Mason Plumlee, they may not work as hard as the Nets big man. The First-Team All-Rookie is known for his relentless hustle and athletic ability.
Another advantage Plumlee has over his teammates is that he understands Coach K’s system after playing at Duke for four years. In USA’s scrimmage against Brazil, Mason put up 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 15 minutes of action.
Stein also reports that the USA coaching staff is considering taking 2 of the 3 aforementioned big men, but only one will be given the minutes to back up the emerging superstar Anthony Davis. Word around the league is that Drummond will be cut from the team soon.